The Jacksonville Jaguars made a bold move at the 2025 NFL Draft. They traded up with the Cleveland Browns to the second overall pick. With this selection, they picked Colorado star Travis Hunter. Hunter, coached by Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, could be a generational prospect.
Hunter spent his entire collegiate career under Sanders’ watch. He became one of the best players in college football, playing at a very high level on both sides of the ball. Given their history, it’s no surprise to learn that the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner has a close relationship with his now-former coach.
Jaguars’ Travis Hunter Gets Sincere Birthday Message From Deion Sanders
Hunter celebrated his birthday on Sunday as the Jaguars’ rookie turned 23. He received a ton of messages throughout the football world wishing him well. One of these messages came from Sanders, and it was rather touching.
“Happy Birthday Son. Love ya man. Be Greater & don’t negotiate your Peace,” the Colorado head coach wrote on social media on Sunday.
@TravisHunterJr Happy Birthday Son. Love ya man. Be Greater & don’t negotiate your Peace. pic.twitter.com/lfVY02kcYS
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders)
Hunter has discussed what Sanders has meant to him personally in the past. In November, he opened up about his relationship with the Hall of Famer, calling him a father figure.
“We have that great bond,” Hunter explained, via “Big Noon Kickoff”. “It’s like a father and son bond. I know whenever I need something I can go and ask him, and I’m pretty sure I can get it, 100% of the time.”
The relationship is deeper than football. The Jaguars’ rookie mentioned a time he went to grab a pair of shoes from Sanders. No matter what Hunter needs, he knows he can go to Sanders and he will do what he can to support the two-way star.
“It’s just an unbreakable son and father bond… I can’t even explain it enough, I love him so much and I know he loves me so much.” @TravisHunterJr talks about the relationship he has with @CUBuffsFootball‘s @DeionSanders ❤️🦬 pic.twitter.com/am40ISivwq
— Big Noon Kickoff (@BNKonFOX) November 2, 2024
“He’s a Nike guy now… So, I can’t get no Jordans off of him, but when I get to his house, I steal whatever I can,” Hunter joked, via Big Noon Kickoff. “He’s like a father figure to me. I mean, I went to his house yesterday, and whatever I wanted, he was able to just let me get it. I took it, if he didn’t want me to take it.”
The Jaguars had an unfortunate 2024 season that saw them finish near the bottom of the league. Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence struggled with injury throughout the season and they ended with just four wins.
However, Jacksonville is looking to build around Lawrence. And Hunter could be a vital piece to the team’s future success. Hunter played wide receiver and corner in college at Jackson State and Colorado. It appears as if he will have a chance to do both at the NFL level.
If Hunter can make it work, he will quickly become one of the most valuable players in the league. He could have more impact on a game than most players in the league, given that he would play every snap.
Many believed Hunter was destined for greatness before he was in college. Sanders saw it up close and personal during his collegiate career. If anyone believes Hunter can translate his game to the NFL, it’s the man who has meant so much to the Heisman Trophy winner through these last few years.
